Sometimes I feel that I will burst if I hear once again first and black in the same sentence. I have nothing against being first or excelling or being supreme in a chosen field or in a competition or even in a queue, but when I hear the words first and black, my spirit sighs and it’s as if I want to die. I know this sounds so exaggerated, and I don’t wish to degrade the achievements of those who have reached the pinnacle through sheer hard work, devotion to a cause, or mastered their craft.

Why is it that in the 21st century, when we have come so far, in terms of addressing racism, colour prejudice and the way we treat others in terms of the colour of their skin, speaking boldly about equality, diversity, inclusion and acceptance of other’s culture, mixing pots, melting pots, you name it – there’s a term which embraces it, yet still the races are not equal, such a pity that our ethnicity has shown that we haven’t grown and how much further we still need to go. It is woeful, that we are hearing about the first black president, the first black film director, the first black model on the cover of Vogue UK. It’s neither wonderful or amazing in my book. Yes of course the achievements are – of that there is no doubt. But ought we still to be referring to skin colour when praise is due? Is it some sort of an extraordinary feat to be both black and an achiever? Are those terms mutually exclusive, so when it coincides – ought we to be doubly impressed?

How can we as a race in present times, allow for such archaic language to seep into our consciousness? When Barack Obama became president of the United States of America, was it necessary for us to be enlightened and educated about the hue of his skin? And Steve McQueen of ’12 Years a Slave’ fame, when he became the happy recipient of an Academy Award for Best Picture, did it enhance the view to know that he was black? Would that have escaped our notice somehow, imagining that all the audience were in some way colour blind on that auspicious night? My heart sinks when I think that Donyale Luna a black model who covered in Vogue UK was the first to do so. But I was heartened when I heard the editor of Vogue UK (Alexandra Shulman) talking on the radio about this and I smiled when the presenter commented on her [Luna] being the first black model to do so, to which the editor responded “could we drop the ‘first black’ please?” A woman after my own heart!

First and black in the same sentence is indeed archaic language; unfortunately, we still take two steps forward and one step back. Actions and words will not change until minds and hearts are changed, and that takes much, much longer to achieve. Keep banging the drum. Things change one heart, one mind at a time.

Thank you Susan. Things can and do change and as you say, hearts and minds need to be changed, but we need to keep ‘banging the drum’ and we need to speak out against this sort of racism, which is not overt, and appears to be complimentary on the surface, but really it is reinforcing the idea that people of colour have not achieved very much and this of course is false.

Yes you have to considering the past. 400 years of oppression will take 3x the amount to fix. Problem is the media ran with it as if being the first black something is the new hip, trendy thing to say. There is nothing wrong with being prideful of your race. Latinos, Asians, etc all do it, but it’s a problem when we do it?

Absolutely Tareau. Yes I am in agreement with Black people being proud of their achievements. I don’t have a problem with being the ‘first’ anything. What bothers me is that it seems to be accepted that there is a culture of non-achievement as a whole for men and women of colour. And it is very annoying to hear about the first black person when talking about achievements. How often do you hear about the first Asian, the first European doing something outstanding? You always hear something to the effect that ‘Joe Bloggs landed on the moon’ – no mention of colour. More often than not, when colour is not mentioned, you will find the person is usually Caucasian. That is the point I’m trying to make. I don’t have a problem with people of colour being ‘prideful’. I do have a problem with how the media reports it.

I think that in this day and age, it is shameful that the media are reporting that Black people are way behind in the achievement race. They are not. Much has been covered up or airbrushed from history. Reporting achievements in such a back-handed way just seems to me to be a way of highlighting the fact that Black people were historically repressed and nothing much has changed since the abolition of slavery. It is nearly 200 years since abolition, and you mean in all that time, we have only 1 Black president, 1 Black film director worthy of an academy award and 1 Black model who has graced the cover of Vogue?

I have no problem with the use of ‘first black..’ When heard or read it is like dropping an f bomb in a conference of sunday school teachers. It makes a point that cannot be ignored- there are 7 billion people in the world and countless billions been and gone and for there to still be inequalities that mean some milestones and achievements and accolades still have few (or no) black people among those that are the ‘usual’ people we see in these areas needs to be recognised. It doesn’t take away from the merit of the individual but is a commentary on society, institutions and stereotypes.

Just another couple of points: someone being the ‘first…’ doesn’t mean there had never been worthy recipients previously but makes the point about lack of recognition and opportunities till that point in timd when the ‘first’ cane along. The vogue editior csn pretend colour isnt an isdue, but did ahe go further to explain why there hadn’t been a black model till their ‘first’- surely that model wasn’t the only beautiful black mosrl on earth…it says a lot about the agencies, the fashion industry, magazines and consumers and to pretend it isn’t necessary to point out it’s the first black model is self congratulatory and dismissive of the realities of why that is the case.

I did not get the impression that she was pretending that colour wasn’t an issue Mek. She was in fact saying that colour was an issue and she was unhappy that the presenter was highlighting the model’s colour. She was trying to say that the model’s attributes were important and not the fact that she was black. At least that is how I understood it and I felt exactly the same way. The interview was not solely about black models, it was about Shulman’s career as editor. The presenter touched on many things, not only a black model gracing the cover of Vogue UK. Having heard the interview, Shulman was not in any way suggesting that colour was unimportant or being dismissive of the realities of why in this case. In fact she was doing the opposite.
I understand the point that you are making about someone being the ‘first’ and that it is the lack of recognition that is the problem. But to me, this trend of reporting ‘so and so is the first black ,,,’ reinforces the fact that it seems to me that black people are not recognised for their achievements in general, and when they are it becomes a big issue. It’s a back-handed way of praising someone as far as I’m concerned.

Exactly- ‘…the models attributes were important and not the fact that she was black’ – regardless of the interviewers motives, it still begs the question- how is it possible that this model was the first ever black woman to have said attributes. The fact she was the first in the long history of the publication needs to be addressed, and the editior saying colour doesn’t matter is an outright lie. If it didn’t matter, it wouldn’t be notable that the model was the ‘first’. In my opinion the fault here doesn’t like with the journalist but the editor and the magazine world, just as in stating that Obama was the first black president is not an issue of ignorant media but the political machine and the voting public that hadn’t up till that point accepted anything but an old white man to be their leader. I think we share the same concerns and frustrations about inequality, but view the impact of stating ‘first’ very differently. I don’t see it as a back handed compliment to the person in the ‘first’ but a straight out critisism (even if not consciously intended) of the road blocks that make this one person and anomaly.

Thanks Mek. I agree wholeheartedly with what you are saying and the issue of colour and achievement. But I have to repeat that Alexandra Shulman was not saying that the model’s colour did not matter. She was saying the exact opposite. It is difficult for me to report this accurately because I heard it before Christmas and my memory of what was said exactly is not 100 per cent accurate. I did not know at the time that I would be referring to the interview at a future date or I would have taken notes to back up what I have to say. I only know that I came away with a feeling that I agree with the editor because she stated her case very well. And once again, the interview was not about ‘firsts’, or ‘black models’. It just happened to touch on something that had been simmering away in me since I heard the term: “the first black president” which was what, 8/9 years ago. Then also just before Christmas I heard “the first black director”. It just occurred to me how irritated I became at hearing this and I compared it to the fact that I rarely hear about the “first Caucasian ..” That’s the point I’m trying to make. My irritation at hearing this constantly and then this of course throws up the question of racial inequality.
I think we both feel the same way at heart. And as I said before, I don’t have a problem hearing the ‘first black …’. That’s not the issue for me. If I heard that term in the 1950s/60s it wouldn’t bother me. But I do have a major problem hearing it in 2017.
Of course it’s an amazing accolade to the person who has achieved the glory of what he/she set out to do. But that is not my point. It would just be good to hear that Barack so and so is the president, or Steve so and so won an academy award for best picture or Donyale so and so has appeared on the cover of Vogue UK. Skin colour should not be a reason for being praised.
I think we are both agreed, and thanks for your insightful comments.

My point wasn’t so much about that one interview- it was a general point about my view on ‘first black xyz’. I don’t see the ‘first black xyz…’ as being a reason to be praised but rather a reason to ask why it is the case that this one person should stand out- why the same opportunity is accessible by so few black people. I don’t really think we have agreed or that we think / feel the same way about the use of ‘first black xyz…’ and that is okay- I was just stating my opinion. The reason you ‘…rarely hear about the “first Caucasian…”’ is that it is not remarkable, because Caucasians are afforded ample opportunity to succeed in society. The contrast between diversity in the streets and uniformity in boardrooms, literary award recipients, head of academic institutions etc. can only be brought to light when you mention it was the ‘first (insert non-white race) to be xyz’. The racism lies in the fact it is a first rather than the statement that it is the first. Okay, catch you another time…hope you have a lovely day ahead ☺

I do actually agree with everything you say here, Mek. But as you say, it is not important for us to agree, what is important is that you are able to put your opinion across. And the same for me.
I think what we both agree on is that you don’t have a problem with ‘the first black…’ because you think it is important to raise this in order to acknowledge and move forward and question the reasons why this is so. Have I got you right?
And I have a problem with the phrase not because I don’t want men and women of colour’s achievements to be acknowledged but that I see it as a form of racism and further reinforcement of the fact that the Black person’s role in society is diminished because of the colour of their skin and the prejudice that goes hand in hand with that. In continually referring to the ‘race’ to be ‘first’ in the race to be a notable achiever, it sickens me that we are still not much further along in the equality stakes.
Okay, we don’t agree on this issue, but we have every right to disagree. 🙂
Hope you have a lovely day too, and your contribution to the debate has been invaluable. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.

Interesting conversation, thanks. I hear what you’re saying Marie, and might add that one thing perhaps worth considering is that (white) liberal progressives may at times be using the offending term so as to highlight the endemic racism that exists within society. In other words, they’re in effect saying that it’s a bad thing that they might be able still to say ‘the first black (whatever)’ — which of course, it is.

Hariod, I am so pleased that you agree with me that the term is offensive. My point wasn’t to downplay the role of being ‘first’, but was to highlight how offensive the term was when used in that way.
I had not thought of the point you make so eloquently – thank you for raising this very apposite point.

I think you’ve raised an interesting topic that we will inevitably have different perspectives on depending our different experiences, histories and context. While it might be debated whether the first black or first woman should be specifically mentioned, there are different ways to look at this. I can’t help but agree with the previous comment. What does it say to all of us that it took 43 presidents before America had a black president? What does it say that after Jan van Reibeeck landed on our shores in 1652 -finding indigenous black people here, we could only swear in our first black president in 1994? What does it say that some countries have never had a female president? When it is not the norm it seems to me that it is still important to highlight the “First black” or “first woman” or ” first gay marriage” and so on.

My second argument on this issue is that depending on context, highlighting the “first ” where there is discrimination is not only a message for those who discriminate but also paves the way for other black people who have aspirations in that field.

One day when we look back, I’d hate to hear that the first black president or first black model was also the last.

Maybe I know a little about what it means to be the first at something and the responsibility that rests with me to pave the way for others and to keep reminding others that I shouldn’t be the last.

Thank you for presenting food for thought. I guess I have made a meal of it huh?

Thank you Chevvy, and no you have not made a meal out of this at all. Both you and Mek make very valid observations and statements which I am pleased that you (both) have done. I had not thought more widely about this other than my mild irritation of constantly hearing these two words connected when highlighting a person of colour’s achievements and aspirations. My view was slightly narrowed in that I just wanted to off-load my annoyance.
Of course I was elated that all the individuals I mentioned had been ‘black’ and also ‘the first’. I am not taking away from that at all. My view was that we are still referring to a person’s skin colour and somehow the black and first are a source of irritation to me. Why isn’t it just accepted that a person is the colour they are. Why do we need to refer to it in this way. It just seems like a form of racism to me. It’s like saying that black people haven’t achieved very much. Those are my feelings and I know it’s not the view of everyone, but we are all entitled to a view.
Thank you for adding your voice to the debate, and it’s great to learn the opinions of others which is what I set out to do. Had I not wanted to do this, I would have kept it to myself and quietly simmered away.
It is great that black people are being recognised for what they are contributing to society and being the ‘first’ in today’s world is worthy of note and I’m in no way taking away from that.
I just have Martin Luther King’s iconic speech ‘I have a dream’ in my consciousness and the points he makes about skin colour being irrelevant. His dream has not yet come true it would appear.

Thanks Marie. I like your reference to Martin Luther King’s speech because sadly, his dream has not quite come true yet – sometimes it even feels like we’re going backwards in some ways. Unfortunately, it still seems like an achievement like “the first man on the moon” or “the first to break a certain world record”. I guess some of us will continue to be more equal than others for some time. I’m glad to contribute to the debate. Enjoy your day Marie!😀

Thanks Chevvy. Dreams can and do come true. We just have to be patient and work tirelessly towards our goal. There will come a day when the ‘colour of a man’s skin … than the colour of his eyes …’ I cannot remember the exact quote, but I firmly believe that this will happen.
I don’t think it will happen soon, but it will happen.
And I know it looks like it won’t because it does feel as if we are going backwards. But who would have thought that gay marriage would happen and it has. Who would have thought there would be a biracial president of America? Who thought that Nelson Mandela would be released from prison?
When I was at college, I did a course about government, and I remember clearly the tutor saying that to be an MP, you needed to be ‘white’. In other words you had no chance if you were black. Many, many years later, we have black MPs in the UK.
Enjoy your day too Chevvy,:)

Oh I support that dream everyday. My children have grown up in a world very different from my own. My eldest daughter was born after the election of President Mandela and is part of what we call “the born free generation” She enjoys so many freedoms that I didn’t and I never want to see my children disenfranchised from those freedoms and I believe we must all forge ahead to make the world a better place for ALL. Best. Chevvy.

Hear! Hear! Well said Chevvy! As women of colour, we know what we have suffered before change came. And we know the difference that change has made to our lives and our children. Pray that change never changes for the worst. I have just listened to Donald Trump saying that ‘torture works!’. OMG!!! What were we saying about going backwards??!

An exceptional woman who once worked for me as a paralegal had been in the Army before that. There is an Army saying that goes: It rains in the Army, but not on the Army. That means soldiers power through, whatever the obstacle. They move so fast, the raindrops don’t even touch them.

That fit my friend to a tee. Any organization would have been lucky to have her.

She shared w/ me that she had been the only black woman (often the first and only woman) in all the classes or programs she ever attended. She refused to declare her race on any form determining eligibility for affirmative action. Yet the assumption was always made that she could not have qualified on merit alone.

I worked for years in inner city Philadelphia, and still love the children I came to know there. Most of those children are black. All are still living in poverty. But children are not born w/ the knowledge they are supposed to be inferior. They have to be taught that.

The “firsts” matter. The comedian Kevin Hart, the actor Will Smith, the singer Patti LaBelle, the songwriter Teddy Pendergrass and hundreds of thousands of other successful people were all from Philadelphia. But children are not born knowing that. They don’t know that Thurgood Marshall served brilliantly on the Supreme Court or Shirley Chisholm was a vocal advocate in Congress. They have to be taught that, because all they see around them are shattered dreams.

I question why women of whatever color are still required to expend superhuman effort, to make any small headway. I question the glacial pace of change. I’d like to live long enough to see it. Whether I’m here or not, I’d like the children I love to experience it.

Well said Anna! Yes the “firsts” do matter, and this is why I’m so rattled by all this. There are not enough firsts in the tally for men and women of colour. There should be many, many more and of course there are. The problem (or should I say one of the problems is) is that much has been covered up, much has been hidden, much has been airbrushed from history. Men and women of colour have not in recent years entered the race for the ‘first’. They have been there in their droves achieving and winning minor and major victories, but somehow Europeans in the past (through the effects of slavery) have made sure that these achievements are not acknowledged and promoted.
I too would like to see the pace of change for the better speeded up in my lifetime. I would like to see Martin Luther King’s ‘dream’ become reality.

Marie, what a thought provoking post you’ve managed to create and elicit several more thought provoking responses. I’m glad that I read most of them because they (and your subsequent replies) helped me understand your point a little better.

With that said, I understand your frustration with the terms “first” and “black” in the same sentence, but this is what I’ve come to understand. This phrase matters quite a bit because society’s have spent centuries, not only making black people and other people of color feel inferior, but they’ve also not done anything to undo this purposeful wrongdoing. Therefore, black people and other people of color CHEER when they see and experience the “first black” whoever. Every time we hear it, it’s like a little bit of affirmation that, “Yes. We are great and do matter.”

I suppose we’ll stop hearing about the “first black” whoever when two things happen: (1) black people and people of color gain some self worth irrespective of what white people believe or have taught us to believe, and (2) black people and people of color use the “first” as motivation to be the 2nd, 3rd, and so on, until it really doesn’t matter.

Kathy, thank you for your very thoughtful comments. I saw it yesterday, but wanted to think a little about how I responded to you. This is mainly because I was a little overwhelmed because I felt that I wasn’t getting my point across sufficiently enough of how offensive that term sounds. The problem for me was not hearing that it was a first for a Black person – that’s cool and really great to hear that: who wasn’t ‘whooping it up’ and dancing round the room, and phoning all their friends, and watching every programme on TV and EVERY news item about Barack Obama becoming the FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT OF THE USA?!
But, when I heard just before Christmas that Steve McQueen was the first black director to win an Academy Award for Best Picture, it was bitter sweet for me. First and Black started to annoy me because it brought up so much about what you say so eloquently in your second paragraph.
My prose poetry could only say so much. I hoped people would read into it all the points made by Mek, Anna Waldherr and Hariod, as well as yourself, just to name a few people. ALL comments were worthy of note, but I just wanted to illustrate the point about me seemingly wanting to downplay and not broadcasting achievements by people of colour (I also have a problem with the word ‘black’ but that is for another post. I prefer African/and/or whatever ethnicities run in your bloodline. I don’t see myself as a colour. I am a person. I am not a skin colour. Rant over!!! lol), but to say that in the 21st century, I find it is offensive to be talking about the first black to achieve something. Doesn’t anyone see how shameful that reporting is? That is shameful and scandalous on so many levels. People of African origin haven’t just started the ‘race’ for achievement, they’ve been in it from time immemorial and have achieved many firsts which have been denied, downplayed and downright airbrushed from history. That is the point I was trying to make. Not that broadcasting firsts is wrong. We do need to know that, but how it is reported is simply wrong for me.
Thanks for being provoked, Kathy. 🙂

If Barry O’Bannon went to a remote city-state to give a lecture, I think that it would be important to note, in his introduction, that he was the first black President of the USA; especially in cases where the audience—who apparently lives under a rock—has no prior knowledge of him. That intro would establish immediate credibility.

But, by the same token, I don’t think that we have to keep referring to him as the first black President all day, everyday.

In any case, as Tareau said, stating that a person is the “first black” reiterates-to the uniformed- that Black people are more than capable of achieving all sorts of lofty goals 🙂

Lady G, this is spot on! But first let me clear something up: I have absolutely no problem about hearing about the “FIRST BLACK … blah blah blah”. It is a vicarious privilege to hear that. That said: I have a huge problem with hearing about it when I listen to the media in the UK. I find it offensive, when I hear it because it throws up so much of what is wrong, unequal, shameful, horrific, hypocritical amongst other disturbing things about ‘black’ experience in the world today and what has happened in the past e.g The Slave Trade and how black achievement has been denied, hidden and in most cases airbrushed from history.
I absolutely agree with all that you have said and particularly your 3rd and 4th paragraphs.
I am pleased and proud that Barack Obanahan was the first Black president of the USA, and the world needs to know that, especially those who have been living under a rock. But wouldn’t it be good for the soul if he was say, the 21st, 31st or even the 41st Black president? then wouldn’t it be good to go back into the annals of history to find out who the ‘First’ was?
Unfortunately for a lot of people of African descent, our history only started (according to the European historical records) around the beginning of the 21st century – slavery has seen to that!

I feel exactly what you’re saying and yes, isn’t it a shame that Pres. Barack had to be 41st versus 21st or 31st.
Heck, it’s a shame that we haven’t had any black Presidents in between.
That in mind, I probably will never live to see a world where race isn’t considered 😦

Psssttt… *tells you in a hushed whisper*. You raise your eyebrows and smile expectantly. “Really?” you say. “Mmmmm”, the taxi driver says….
OK, so I shouldn’t joke about these things. I think Tareau is being a little idealistic here, Lady G. I suppose it’s a comment full of desperation and frustration. But didn’t we say that we got this one figured out? We have a long way to go, but I believe change will come.
Where’s your fighting spirit girl? 🙂

It is really scary the things the President is saying/doing when I listen to the news. No laughing matter! I pray that there is some sort of divine intervention.
I guess laughing is better than crying though Lady G!

I know Lady G. But try to be positive about the whole situation. I was watching a programme earlier this evening, and the gist of it was to think about the solution and what you want from a given event. That way the universe allies with you and turns things to your advantage. If you think negatively and think things are going to get a whole lot worse, that is what the universe will think you want and give you that. Now that might not work so well with a psychopath running the country, but if you can think as positively as you can, maybe things will start to turn around. I’m just trying to help out here. I’m not sure if I really believe it myself, but I think it’s better than thinking doom and gloom. Sending you loads of positivity!!!! 🙂

I know that what you’re saying is true.
I really have no plans on placing my focus on that nut at all😂
I’ll continue keep my awareness on the positive.
That said, I couldn’t help glancing at him momentarily😂😂
Thanks for the wise words Mystic Marie✨✨✨✨🙏🏾

Mystic Marie always available to sort out the problems other mystics fail to do. Call me anytime, I don’t charge a dime – that’s my motto! LOL!!!!
Keep up the positivity! I’ve a spare room if that don’t work out!!!!!!!! :)))))

Yes I like what you say Marquessa. Looking at it that way is very positive. It does encourage other people of colour knowing that others have done so before. But from the other point of view, that it is not said when other nationalities achieve great things, it’s as if it’s a given that other ethnicities and particularly Caucasians are way ahead in the race, and Black people are just on the first rung of the ladder. This is simply not factually correct. Sorry about the metaphors! 🙂

Hello Jackie! Thank you. I can’t see your reply (unless you mean this one). Did you write another one? Do you want to re-send it? I’ve checked ‘spam’ to see if it ended up there, but nothing there from you.
Now Jackie, would I “can” you? 🙂

Hahah you may well. I know sometimes WordPress has its own special filter. It was merely to say that I did agree with you as to why do we define people by colour ( I constantly quote your ” black whites and coloureds sound as if we are sorting laundry” comment ) but wanted to say that in South Africa its a really big thing to say ” he was Black” or ” He’s coloured” because its a sort of F.U. to the ” white man” showing they have achieved a lot under difficult circumstances. I could write more but don’t want to bang on about my project on this. I will write a blog about it. So yes I do think we should stop saying this, but on the other hand in certain countries, they have a lot of catching up to do.

Thanks for what you say so eloquently Jackie. You’ve taught me quite a lot about the ‘black, white, coloureds’ issue in SA – so I’m really grateful for that.
I think this whole issue is such a sensitive one. On the one hand, I want people to be proud of their skin colour – whatever shade of black/white they may be. I think my problem is that the colour black because of the Slave Trade and the ensuing issues which surround that, the connotations of ‘black’ being seen as primitive, uncivilised, un-intelligent, etc , etc are still very much to the fore although we have come a long way in addressing race relations and equality. But I do get you when you say that in South Africa, claiming your ‘blackness’ is a way of showing to the ‘white’ man their pride in their heritage and how much they have achieved in spite of that country’s history.
I for one look forward to your blog about it – it should be very informative because you have such a good knowledge of the situation with regard to your projects there.
I don’t want Black people’s achievements to be hushed-up in any way, but I do wish that in the 21st century ‘first black’ didn’t sound quite so offensive. These ‘firsts’ should have been achieved and recognised way, way back! I wish I could be more articulate about this, because I think I sound to some people as if I’m not proud every time I hear that someone black has achieved something, which of course I am.

Firstly I want to thank you for taking my comments in the spirit in which I meant them. Sometimes it can be distorted when not face to face. I don’t claim to know anything substantial about colour and prejudice, all I know is that I remain truly amazed at the generosity and “upbeat” nature of the Black people in SA> If I was them, I would be angry and fed up. I didn’t experience that on a day to day basis although obviously it exists. I agree that we should have got over the ” first for a Black” – but if it isn’t too glib to say, then rather now ( late) than not at all. The whole world has a long way to go. I always worry my interest can be deemed patronising. I will blog it. The subject is fascinating for all the right reasons.

Jackie, you know I value your opinion and I don’t think you are being patronising at all. It is easy to (as a West Indian) just to see things from one point of view, because of the way Black people are subject to the worst forms of racism today, but that (in present day) needs to be more balanced, because as you rightly pointed out a few emails back, Caucasians too have their own issues with trying not to be seen as patronising and racist when it comes to these things.
The good thing is that we (people in general, not just us) are talking about it instead of brushing it under the carpet. I think that helps in trying to further make life better for all concerned, although as you say, the whole world has a long way to go. Thanks for your really thoughtful comments. 🙂

Funny story. Just went to have my nails done. She is Black from Kenya. I mention her colour because its relevant to the story. I walked in and she said ” hello” and so I said ” are you expecting me!” and then she said ” oh Jackie, sorry, I didn’t recognise you!” and I replied and said ” is that because all white people look the same to you!” ( joke) She roared and said, ” isn’t that what you white people say about us blacks!”. And we both laughed. That is what I like, being able to tease each other without the other one shouting ” racist!”. She went on to tell me that when she met her husband again after 6 months ( he is white) she couldn’t recognise him properly amongst all the sea of white faces at Heathrow and thought that if he didn’t recognise her, she wouldn’t know him amongst all the similar white faces. its good to joke

Not sure what is going on… I haven’t read it all yet Jackie. It is long, so I have to concentrate – don’t like to skim read. So I will let you know if you get 10/10 for effort or if you will have to stay behind for detention. LOL

I heard from Hairdo when he commented. however I also heard from Clare who is the author of the auto type…..i.e. Her pic wrote Hairdo instead of Hariod. She feels we should all press him for a photo, and I agree, but he won’t play ball!!! So yes I have heard from him but not in a chuckle chuckle way. You will have to invite Clare to play. He likes her😉😉

I think Clare has competition Jackie. Only this morning after some mild flirtation with said person, he divulged that if he were only 60 years younger, he and I would have a chance ….LOL
Sadly, I have many suitors who I would not wish to disappoint, were I to engage in such an adventure …:) 🙂
I agree with pressing for a photo, but I don’t hold out too much hope – he has already sent me two photos which are highly dubious in content …hahahaha

Hasn’t fallen, he is already felled! he lives in the 1960’s so he is permanently in a yellow haze. ( I know H.. he is watching and smiling and waiting. Be still crouching Tiger, that sort of guff) Do you know I should be working. When someone comes into my office, I close the window down.

I know you – you only want what you cant have. The minute he succumbs to your womanly charms, you will toss him aside like a packet of walkers crisps. Ps I often go to Ikea in Croydon, for some Meatballs and Pack Flat, so meet for coffee?

I’m not sure I could toss H away so easily ….hahaha
I live north of the river so that’s far for me to come. Did you by any chance read my post on agoraphobia Jacks? I’m still not able to get about as much as I’d like, although as you can see I am a bundle of laughs (she says humbly!).
Perhaps when I’m a bit more mobile, we can do that coffee. That’ll give me something to aim for! 🙂

yes I did read it but I thought if I ignored it- you could as well. Okay when I next go to Tottenham, I will rendezvous with you, so just bloody well get dressed before then. ha ha 🙂 I am off home now. I cycle to work, you know. A captain of Industry on a bike.

It doesn’t work like that unfortunately. I wish it did.:( You get all over the place don’t you missis? Trust you to cycle to work – all round do-gooder and environmentally friendly entrepreneur – is there no end to your smugness? :))) Have a good evening and catch you later. 🙂

I’m up early most days. Sleep patterns all over the place! Jackie, Jackie, Jackie – do you have high blood pressure or do you just cycle to prevent it? I hope it’s the latter! 🙂
Tell me to mind my own business if you like ….lol

I have or had high blood pressure. based on high cholesterol. Don’t know how that happened – hereditary? So I cycle and take some deep sea kelp shit to help. It actually does. Sorry about your sleep patterns. We need to wear you out in the day so you sleep well at night. I am onto it!

Jackie you are not getting me to come and work in Somerset!!!! That is where you are isn’t it?
Keep a check on that blood pressure – you have become precious and important to me – yea, corny I know! But I don’t want you having a stroke or something equally ‘orrible! 🙂

oh cheers, thanks for that. I wont have a stroke, I already asked the doctor and in fact it is dropping slowly. I don’t live in Somerset (FFS) – that’s Hairdo. I live in Sussex/. Shoreham by Sea. Google it. If you find Subway in the High Street, our office is above that

Ahhhhhh! I thought you and Hairdo lived up the road from each other in fabulous Somerset. I’m still not coming to Sussex though. It is nearer, but I like my life of leisure. But I won’t rule it out though completely – we will see….
How much work are you doing there?? You’ve sent more comments than yesterday even. Mind you don’t sack yourself. hahaha

I thought I’d give you a break. I have been thinking about you and I nearly commented today.:) Speaking of Hairdo, he’s only gone and dedicated a blog post to ‘moi’! Have you read his latest post? If not get over there! hahaha
Run away with Hairdo! hahahahaha

Of course it’s not him Jackie! Do you honestly believe we are going to see a true image of H in our lifetime? Perhaps we’ll see him in Heaven, but I don’t think he has a faith, so we might not even see him there. Shame …:))))

Excellent thoughts here Marie.. I think most of the problems come from the past and how we have evolved with ingrained thinking..

It matters not whether we are Black White or Purple with Pink spots.. We are all of us Human Beings..
What has got lost is the PERSON behind what ever colour we are..

Today our governing laws yes have to protect racism.. but sometimes then they take it a step too far, where political correctness then often discriminates against others..

I will give you a for instance.. I was once upon a panel of people interviewing people of various cultural backgrounds for a position .. I was told before hand that we had to hire a person of a particular ethnic background to even the numbers up within the organisation..

Now even though most of us on that panel thought the best person for the job was the one with the correct and relevant qualifications and experience.. Our views were overruled as the one filling up the quote of ethnic background was hired

I never think about the colour of my skin maybe many will say that is because I have not experienced what it is like to be black.. .. I just think about the deeds I do within that Skin..

And I have had both Black and Asian friends, I have gay and lesbian friends too.. It matters not what Labels we give .. To me it matters how we conduct ourselves and how we treat each other..

Thank you for the food for thought here Marie… and for reading such a lively debate in the conversations..

Thank you so much Sue. I completely agree with you on the fact that the colour issue is firmly rooted in the past in slavery particularly. I wonder if before that people were so concerned with the colour of a person’s skin. In fact I was reading a book called ‘Slavery – A New global History’ by Jeremy Black (I’ve only just noticed the irony of his name!) in which the author seems to suggest that colour was not an issue prior to slavery.
Whilst I agree with you about the point you make about ethnic quotas, I can’t help thinking that this is sometimes the only way people of colour get a foothold into certain careers. So often people of colour are overlooked in the job market simply because they are not white.
Your comments as always are much appreciated and thank you for adding your voice to the debate.
Love and hugs back to you dear friend,
Marie 🙂

Yes I agree with you on your second point.. But I also think a person should get a job because of their worth, and experience and knowledge of the position offered.. And Colour and race should NOT come into it at all.. But then I am after all just a ‘Dreamer’ lol.. 🙂 ❤ Big hugs Marie.. Oh to live in an ideal world… But it is what it now is and we have made it so with our past actions..
Love and Blessings.. And have a great weekend.. ❤ xxx

I absolutely agree with you dear Sue. I hope I didn’t give you the impression that I think people should get jobs based on employment law/policy which favours particular ethnic groups.
I reckon we’re both dreamers. lol
I reckon though that you have a much better take on these things because of your ‘gift’. Will it all come out in the wash? (No pun intended!):) 🙂
Love and Blessings back! Have a great weekend. xxx

Greetings dear heart. I am doing well. Thank you so much for checking on me. 🙂 I have a few PIPs (posts in the pipeline), but I haven’t posted since this one. Well I have: on riceandpease, but you don’t follow me there, do you M’Lady? haha
I’ll be over to yours soon – you’ve been prolific this week with your posts …
YAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSS! 🙂

We are all one, we are part of the human race. I don’t know why that is so hard to accept. I don’t care what color someone’s skin is or what their religion is There are good and bad people of all races, but stereotyping, is just wrong, and it is based on fear, and ignorance. Their ego needs to feel superior, because they are really insecure to begin with, they are bullies and they feel better treating people that are different than them as less worthy. I really wish and hope that things can and will get better. I think it may take a couple of generations, that is sad. We need each other, we don’t need to be enemies. It is unfortunate that some people still cling to such primal emotions.

Thank you, it’s really how I feel, and this election has really opened my eyes. There have been other social issues as well, and I think it has made me more empathetic to other people. Too many only think of themselves, and it really makes it even more hypocritical when they claim to be Christian. I am afraid it will only get worse, but I am happy to see people making their voices heard with the protests and social causes. The only way to create change is to do it together. I remember seeing a film called Matewan, you should check it out. It’s based on true events, and has to do with trying to get the union in the coal mines. When the miners struck, the company brought in scab workers who were immigrants, and African American. They were convinced to join with the original strikers, and there was for a time harmony ad unity. They all acted as one. The sad part is in the end. The company won, but it was nice to see the unity and the people accepting each other.

You are right about it being easier said than done. Now we have this setback with Trump in office and now there is even more hate. I blame the people who voted for him and support him. I probably will not see it in my time. That is unfortunate. The films pretty hard to fin. James Earl Jones and Chris Cooper are in it.

Thank you Kathleen. I do so appreciate your understandable concern, but try not to be overwhelmed by the situation. I find that if I am hopeful and remain positive, that things can and do turn around – eventually! Let’s try to remain positive even though the situation looks bleak.

… also, how can I have forgotten to thank you for reading my entire blog? 🙂 Thank you so much! I really feel that you deserve an award of some sort for doing that. I’ll have to think of something. Mmmm… maybe I’ll write an haiku dedicated to you … 🙂

Wow, thank you. I thought yours was so diverse and dealt with important issues. It’s good to see things from a different perspective. I am and have always been interested in other peoples views, because I want to understand other people. I think some people are afraid to do that, but we can’t make any progress as people if we don’t try to understand each other.

Hello Marie. I think it’s time you came out with a next edition. This was quite a conversation piece. Regarding your question, I think you are less of an introvert than you think. In my case it’s in my nature to embrace everyone. I work with lots of people in the work I do so in my spare time I also enjoy my down time. Blogging helps me escape the noise a bit. I’ll have to catch you later Marie. Family responsibilities are calling😀

I jumped in before reading properly! Sorry! I thought you were just sending me the link you sent yesterday again, but I see it’s something you want me to read. I have a feeling I read that article yesterday, but I read so much, I’ve forgotten what I read. Will now read properly and report back. 🙂

Standing up for Truth is always good, Thank you Marie, those who focus on the outside critically will never see the beauty of the Soul.

We remember also that God does not see the color of someone’s skin as important, He looks at the heart, it is a failing of those who have limited heart vision and so can only see the outward things and they allow their own fleshy thoughts and feelings to influence them.

We all have Melanin in our skin pigmentation and a few things determine what degree of color results but God chose for there to be differences and we know everything He created was good and for a good reason, so who are we to tell Him He got it wrong.

I agree, by saying “first” we are still making race significant. It’s like saying the first president with red hair. The colour of hair, eyes, skin etc isn’t what’s important or relevant. change can be slow sometimes! .. and btw.. thanks for stopping by my blog. i’ll be sure to check out future posts of yours 🙂

Exactly! Thanks for taking the time to comment and it was a pleasure to stop by your blog. Mental health is slowly taking its rightful place alongside ‘physical’ health issues – long overdue but at least it’s being spoken about now, not least because of people like yourself. Keep up the important work! 🙂

Thank you Tea. I know this sounds a little morbid – but after we die there are no ”colours” – we are spirits – so the colour of our bodies while we are here should not define us. Anyway, that’s another story!:) And we should all appreciate and value each other’s differences while here.